Bird Flu Update: Top 5 Natural Antivirals for Dogs and Cats

Is Your Pet at Risk from Bird Flu, Dog Flu, or Cat Flu? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Eight skunks were recently found dead of the bird flu in Vancouver. Are your pets at risk? While the bird flu, dog flu, and cat flu are making headlines, you may be wondering if your furry companions could be affected. In this post, I’ll share important updates and my top five natural antivirals to help protect your pets.

The Spread of Bird Flu: A Growing Concern

Bird flu has been rampant this year, killing millions of chickens around the world. It has now spread to wild birds, claiming the lives of thousands. Recently, eight skunks in Vancouver were found dead due to bird flu, which they contracted from eating infected, dead, or dying birds. While the bird flu virus, specifically the H5N1 strain, has been found in a small number of people, it wasn’t until recently that mammal-to-mammal transmission had been confirmed.

For instance, 120 seals were found dead in Maine, all infected with bird flu. Because they died within a small area, it’s believed that the virus transmitted among them, showing mammal-to-mammal transmission. A similar event occurred in Spain, where over 50,000 mink died, with the virus spreading amongst them.

But what about our dogs and cats? To date, there is no solid evidence of a dog or cat contracting this highly pathogenic bird flu virus.

Can Your Dog or Cat Get Bird Flu?

As of now, it’s extremely unlikely that your dog or cat will get the bird flu virus. The wild animals contracting it are those consuming infected birds. To protect your pets, make sure they are not hunting or eating dead or dying birds.

But while bird flu might not be an immediate concern for your pets, they are susceptible to other common flu viruses. Dogs can get dog flu, caused by the canine influenza virus or parainfluenza virus. Cats can contract cat flu, triggered by feline viral rhinotracheitis or feline calicivirus.

Unfortunately, conventional antiviral treatments for these viruses aren’t very effective, which is why I recommend turning to natural solutions.

My Top 5 Natural Antivirals for Pets

Here are my top five natural antiviral products to help protect your pets from flu viruses, whether it’s dog flu, cat flu, or any other respiratory virus.

1. Honey

Honey is a fantastic natural remedy with both antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s safe, inexpensive, and works well for dogs and cats. The standard dose for pets is half a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily. If I have a cold or flu, this is the first thing I give to my dog or cat.

2. Elderberry

Elderberry is a wonderful natural antiviral that has been extensively studied. It’s known to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu viruses. For dogs and cats, the recommended dose is about 100 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily. A quarter of a scoop of concentrated elderberry once daily can do wonders for your pet’s immune system.

3. Quercetin

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in red onions and apples, has been studied for its effectiveness against COVID-19 and various animal viruses. The bioactive form of quercetin is up to 40 times more absorbable than standard quercetin. The recommended dose for pets is 50 milligrams per 25 pounds of body weight daily.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin: Nature’s Defense for Your Pet’s Well-being

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant with antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. The supplement contains naturally sourced Sophora Japonica flower extract, in capsule form (powder in capsules), and is generally more bio-available than other quercetin forms.

4. Licorice Root

Licorice root is an incredibly useful herb found in half of all Chinese medicinal formulas. It works as a natural corticosteroid, reducing inflammation and itching, and is great for treating coughing. One of the key ingredients, glycyrrhizin, has strong antiviral properties. For pets, the standard dose is a quarter mL of tincture per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily. However, licorice root should be used short-term, for no more than 14 consecutive days.

Dr. Jones’ Licorice Root Extract: Natural Allergy Relief for Pets

Dr. Jones’ Herbals: Licorice Root Extract

Support your pet’s health naturally with Dr. Jones Herbals: Natural Licorice Root Extract, specially formulated for dogs and cats. Each drop delivers 50mg of pure licorice root extract, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

5. CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil

CBD oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, but it also has antiviral effects. In fact, CBD is being studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19. For pets, the standard dose is three milligrams (or one drop of my CBD supplement) per 10 pounds of body weight, given once or twice daily. It’s also an excellent option for anxious pets.

Start Your Pet’s Holistic Wellness with Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula is a liquid, available in either a 5ml (0.17fl oz), 15ml (0.5fl oz), or 30ml (1fl oz) bottle, with a medicinal quality dropper for very accurate dosage measurement.

Protecting Your Pets

While it’s highly unlikely that your dog or cat will ever contract bird flu, they can still be vulnerable to other respiratory viruses like dog flu or cat flu. Consider using one or more of these natural antiviral options if your pet comes down with a virus. These remedies can help boost your pet’s immunity and speed up their recovery.

Thank you for reading this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Stay tuned for more updates on bird flu and my top natural antiviral recommendations.